YMCA Bench Comp Sep 28... how to prep?

[Parabellum]

A YMCA in Harlem is having a bench press competiton on September the 28th. Open to everyone. About 10 days a way.

The weight classes are weird, for example the highest weight class is 226 +, So if your 230 you might have to compete again someone who is 270, etc... no bench shirts allowed.

I never competed and I was thinking about going to do this. But I've had some issues that I posted in my MM log and am trying to work through them.

What should I do from now to then? I know I should stop benching heavy right about now and I'm not sure what else.

 

[Devastation]

10 days out there's not much else you can do. one more day of benching this weeked. i wouldn't try and max but don't waste your time going light. cut your volume way back. do a heavy triple. you could do some rack lockouts to get a little more used to heavier weights. next week don't bother lifting, take it easy, and get lots of rest. other than that, good luck

 

[Parabellum]

Thanks Dev.

 

[IBench900]

Parab, PM me the specifics of location time etc. and I'll try to show and help out if you want. I think its a Jewish holiday that day if not I'll make it for sure.

No bench shirts but can we bend the rules and wrap your arms with the Inzer knee wraps ?

Also I did a comp like that once and they didn't allow a liftoff man (how stupid)?

PM me and let me know.

I didn't know what you look like so I couldnt look for you at CT's World Gym meet in Long Island 2 weeks ago. I was chillin up front.

Later

 

[Parabellum]

I never heard of the knee wrap thing. I'll send details later.

That might be the day of a surprize party, so I'm not sure if I will go.


In LI I was in the back.

 

[Parabellum]

Dev, how heavy of a triple, percentage wise?

 

[revexrevex]

Para, anyone can participate there? Where is it going to be ?

 

[WarriorPL]

revex, this isn't a deadlift competition... you don't belong there.

 

[Devastation]

Dev, how heavy of a triple, percentage wise?

i'd go for as heavy of a triple as i could complete. should definitely be 90% or above. remember you'll have a full week of rest in between now and the meet

 

[Parabellum]

revex, this isn't a deadlift competition... you don't belong there.

Harlem YMCA 's 3rd Annual Bench Press Contest
180 West 135th Street, NY NY (Between Lenox and 7th Ave.)
September 28, 2003 , 1:30pm to 4:00pm
The Harlem YMCA host it's 3rd Annual Bench Press Contest open to men and women
Cost $15.00
Contact: David Davis, Health and Wellness Director, Harlem YMCA 212-281-4100 ext. 234

I'm taking a ride there this morning to see exactly where it is and if there will be any parking in the area for next week. Taking the train (2 or 3) will be a mission, especially on a Sunday.

 

[Parabellum]

i'd go for as heavy of a triple as i could complete. should definitely be 90% or above. remember you'll have a full week of rest in between now and the meet

Cool, I'll work up in small jumps and see where I stop.

 

[barbell265]

Also para try to put an arch in your back. Meaning your but and shoulders need to touch the bench but that leaves you open to arch your back as much as you can. By doing this you will be cutting down the distance from chest to lockout and improving your leverage. It's a little late in the game to really get an effective arch going but the more arch the less distance you will have to meve the bar!

Good luck Bro'! Let us know how you do!

 

[Parabellum]

Also para try to put an arch in your back. Meaning your but and shoulders need to touch the bench but that leaves you open to arch your back as much as you can. By doing this you will be cutting down the distance from chest to lockout and improving your leverage. It's a little late in the game to really get an effective arch going but the more arch the less distance you will have to meve the bar!

Good luck Bro'! Let us know how you do!

I've been working on my arch for a while now. I'm going to stretch and practice setting up some more this week.

 

[IBench900]

Parab,

What weight will you be competing at?

 

[Parabellum]

Bantam 138-145 lbs
Middle 146-165
Light Heavy 166-175
Middle Heavy 176-198
heavy 199-225
Super heavy 226+

I'll be in the 226+ class which leaves the class way to open to too much competition in my opinion. The person who won 3 years in a row in the Super Heavy's has turned pro and will not compete this year. He hit 560 last year.

Rules: Spotter or no spotter, touch your chest and press to arms length. One command which will be rack.

 

[Parabellum]

Anyone going?

 

[Parabellum]

I had a blast and even got my wife excited about the whole thing. Pics are all blurry. I placed third, I believe. 3rd highest weight in my class.

I decided to open with 355 because I seemed weak during warmups. Second I hit 375,easy, then I missed the 3rd with 400 even. I lost it taking ot out of the rack then brought it down and moved it a little and list my grove. Judge told me I mentally lost it as soon as I unracked it and swayed the bar back a bit, he said I have the power and said he would bet me dinner that if I just moved down a bit on the bench to clear the uprights I would have had it.

Next "Y" Comp is in Flushing, Nov 22nd.

Best and highest bench was 440.

Great experince and I can't wait untill November.

 

[spatts]

Good job! Glad you had a great time!

Good luck on the next one...sounds like 400 can be yours.

 

[Parabellum]

Thanks Spatts! I'm so fired up now.

 

[Parabellum]

I added some pics of the meet, they are very bad quality though.

Thread

See anything I should change.